Get Your Illinois Food Handler Card

Proper food handling is essential for protecting public health and ensuring customers have confidence in your establishment or goods. Untrained workers may inadvertently engage in hazardous practices that can lead to contamination, bacterial growth, item recalls and more.

Our ANAB-accredited, state-approved course provides comprehensive instruction on critical food safety practices, enabling handlers to meet local mandates efficiently and professionally. By completing the training, you'll learn how to maintain a sanitary work environment and adhere to the highest consumer health standards.

Read on to learn how to obtain a food handler certificate in Illinois, including requirements and training options.

Understanding State Laws

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) requires food handlers in most food establishments to complete a certified training course within 30 days of hire. A food handler is anyone who is involved in the preparation, packaging and distribution of consumable items.

This training is ideal for:

  • Restaurant and café employees
  • Kitchen assistants and cooks
  • Meal servers
  • Butchers
  • Bakers
  • Fruit pickers
  • Food truck operators
  • Delivery drivers
  • Grocery and convenience store clerks
  • Catering staff and prep workers
  • Warehouse employees and distributors
  • School, hospital and institutional food service employees
  • And more

Our course provides all culinary industry professionals with a practical understanding of local and national food safety guidelines and reinforces the importance of following all sanitation protocols.

What You'll Learn

Our food safety training course covers a range of essential topics, including:

  • Tips to prevent foodborne illnesses
  • Proper handwashing and personal hygiene
  • Time and temperature controls
  • How to safely receive, store and prepare items
  • Cleaning and sanitizing of equipment and surfaces
  • Understanding allergens and the potential effects of cross-contamination
  • Recognizing signs and symptoms of illness and when to report them

The content is delivered in clear, easy-to-follow modules. Lessons focus on real-world applications and compliance with statewide food handling regulations. Once completed, you'll have all the necessary tools to provide safe service.

How to Get a Food Handler Certificate in Illinois

Individuals seeking this certification must complete a training program approved by the IDPH. This course fulfills that requirement and offers a flexible, web-based option suitable for employees in various roles across the food service industry.

To get certified:

  1. Register for the training
  2. Finish the two-hour course at your convenience
  3. Pass the final exam with a score of 70% or higher
  4. Download your certificate from the website

Our online option is especially valuable for those with demanding schedules or limited access to in-person programs. The course can be taken at your own pace using any internet-connected device. Need a break? Just pause the lesson and resume when ready.

Certification Requirements and the Exam Process

To receive your certificate, you must complete all the lesson modules and pass the final exam with a minimum score of 70%. You'll have two attempts to achieve the passing rate.

Upon passing the final exam, you can immediately access and download your state-accepted food handler card. This permit demonstrates your compliance with food safety certification requirements in Illinois. We recommend keeping a copy with you at all times so you can show your employer when asked.

What Is the Duration and Validity of the Food Handler Certificate in Illinois?

Cards are valid for three years from the date they're issued. After this period, you must retake the course to remain compliant. Employees are encouraged to renew their cards before their current ones expire to prevent work schedule disruption.

Employers may request retraining earlier if needed to address compliance issues or reinforce safe practices in the workplace. Refresher courses are important in this sense because they help you stay informed on any changes to local health codes and seller-server mandates.

Illinois Food Handler Training FAQs

Who needs food handler training in Illinois?

According to the IDPH, anyone who works with unpackaged goods, cooking equipment, utensils or food-contact surfaces is required to take this training. This includes restaurant staff, grocery store clerks, food truck workers and cafeteria staff, among others. A few exceptions include unpaid volunteers and workers at temporary events.

How long does the course take to finish?

Approximately two hours. You may start and stop as needed and continue from where you left off.

Is this course approved in Illinois?

Yes. Our ANAB-accredited course meets the requirements established by the IDPH for food workers.

What score do I need to pass the test?

The passing score is 70%. You'll have up to two tries to achieve it.

When can I access my food handler certificate?

Upon passing the final exam, your certificate will be available for immediate download. Print the permit or email it to your employer as needed. Log back in to your account for additional copies.

How long is the permit valid?

Three years. Renew the permit before it expires to remain compliant.

Can I complete the course on my phone or tablet?

Yes. The training is fully online and compatible with most smartphones, tablets and computers with internet access.

Does this course meet the requirements for all cities and counties in Illinois?

This course complies with statewide food handler mandates, but your local county may impose additional requirements. Check with your employer to ensure it meets district regulations.

What happens if I don't pass the exam?

You'll have two chances to take the final test and obtain a minimum passing score of 70%. If you don't achieve a passing score on the first attempt, you can review the material and retake the exam one additional time. If you don't pass after the second attempt, you'll need to repurchase the course and start over.

Additional Links and Resources

ANAB-Accredited and State-Approved in Illinois